With the year starting off with retrogrades one after another, and 3 outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus in tropical zodiac) changing signs midway through the year, 2025 possibly is not the most favorable year for initiating new projects.

We have Mars still in retrograde movement well into February 2025. Barely a week later, Venus begins retrograde motion with Mercury. Then Saturn changes (sidereal) signs, Rahu-Ketu shift (sidereal) axis, lastly Jupiter transits into sidereal Gemini.

I’ve written about Venus retrograde 2023 here. That post should give you an idea of what to expect for the usual Venus retrograde seasons. The 2025 season however sees Venus retrograding in her exaltation sign of (sidereal) Pisces with a debilitated Mercury and a fresh Saturn in (sidereal) Pisces transit. That’s going to be verrry interesting.

Venus repeats its retrograde cycles every 8 years, and forms the beautiful 5 petaled star, so to get a glimpse of how Venus will impact you in 2025, think back to March-April 2017. What happened in the first quarter of 2017? You could have closures around those themes. If you want to see a broader pattern, go back further to March-April 2009 and as further back as you can remember. You may see a general pattern emerging- maybe those years coincided with property purchases/sales, or promotions, or wealth increases through investments/equity, marriage. Check back in last week of February for my detailed post on 2025 Venus retrograde cycle.

But, right now, we are experiencing the Mars retrograde cycle. And although we’re 3 weeks deep into this Mars rx season, the interesting or peak period is just around the corner.

Check your sidereal ascendant/Rising sign for how this Mars retrograde period could impact you. This was sent to my email subscribers, but I’ve taken the subscription forms off my website as I was receiving enormous amount of spam emails. If you’re still reading this, and you wish to subscribe to my newsletter, please write to me on this email preeti@umbarta.com.

NOTE: ALL TRANSITS ARE IN SIDEREAL ZODIAC.

Mars Retrograde 6th December 2024 to 24th February 2025.

Before I start, I want to give a disclaimer. There could be themes or ideas in this post that could be triggering for some of you.

If you’re highly politically active, or have been very disheartened or devastated by what’s happening in the world currently, then you may either want to mentally prepare yourself for what I’m about to share. Or skip this email.

So, getting down to brass tacks. The world is on fire. Metaphorically. And frankly, there’s not much that you or I or the random person walking down the road can do about it. Maybe this is the Saturn in me talking, but it is what it is.

But, transiting Mars in sidereal cancer is not guided by realistic and cold Saturn. It is guided by the ever changing, watery Moon. 

This is a very tricky and triggering period for each of us.

Tricky because, even at the best of times, Mars is a malefic and dangerous because Mars in cancer is very malefic.

It is in its fall in Cancer. Mars in cancer is like a raw nerve that is being touched. The energy is highly emotional, with extreme mood swings which threaten to explode at any given time.

Mars will transit sidereal Cancer for a total of 6 months or so. It entered Cancer on the 21st of October and will transit Cancer until the 21st of January 2025.

On the 22nd, it dips back into Gemini until the 2nd of March. Then transits into Cancer once more on the 3rd of March and stays there until the 6th of June. The last time it did this dance was in December 2009 to June 2010 for context.

So, Mars is transiting Cancer from 21st of October until the 6th of June, except for the 2 odd months that it ingresses back into Gemini. It transits direct, then retrograde, then direct again. 

However, if your natal Moon is in sidereal Aries or sidereal Scorpio, then I would recommend you join a gym or begin an intensive exercise regimen to direct that excessive mars energy.

Having said that, what else is happening?

Jupiter begins its direct motion in sidereal Taurus only in February 2025, which is a long way off from now. Saturn has already begun moving direct in sidereal Aquarius and is completing its last few laps in sidereal Aquarius before it enters Pisces.

So, what’s the impact on each of you?

Sidereal Aries Rising

are going to have their hands full trying to contain your aggression because Mars is your ascendant lord who is transiting an angular house for a total of about 7 months. As almost a month has already passed since it entered Cancer, it may have given you a glimpse of what to expect

Mars in cancer for 8 months in the 4th house is like a recipe for volatile or even physical fights at home or in public. You may not target your spouse, but you may be extra combative on social media or in your workplace or have petty emotional arguments  with your mother. This energy could be relatively tempered and guided appropriately if you have natal Jupiter in cancer, or capricorn or pisces.

So what are you going to do with all that extra motivation, aggression and energy? Join a fitness club, learn martial arts, train for a marathon, lift weights, or watch thrillers or superhero movies and imagine yourself as the superhero saving the world.

On the romantic front, you could meet the love of your life at a workplace seminar or a conference Or if you’re married, your spouse and you could have an opportunity to rekindle the spark in your marriage. 

However, for some of you, life could experience some turbulence which could impact your living situation. This is not a favorable time to begin marital counseling or couples therapy. It’s not a favorable time to begin divorce proceedings. Its also not a favorable time to file a lawsuit. 

If you’re considering switching jobs or asking for a raise or a promotion, this would be a favorable time to do so.

Stay offline, private and selective about your social life as Mars aspects your 11th house where Saturn transits Aquarius. This energy is unfavorable for a harmonious social life, so be discerning when it comes to networking, meetups with friends or sharing your thoughts on social media.

Sidereal Taurus Risings

have felt extra lucky ever since Jupiter entered your 1st house this year and the luck continues as long as you don’t go overboard. You may have had extra burdens at work or sudden health issues, but nothing that could derail your plans.

Mars is transiting your 3rd house and giving you that much needed boost in energy to reach your professional goals.   If you’re a student, then this transit would see you very determined to get that A or that internship or that project. If you’re a working professional, your career might take you places, literally. You might be on the road all the time for the next 4-5 months. The more you hustle, the more you earn. 

Watch your words which could be extra sharp and harsh and could damage your reputation at work and hurt your coworkers. If you’re keen on fitness, this is an excellent time to begin working out. You might experience frustrations in your daily routine though which could impact your work. Important documents that you need for your travel may not come through on time, colleagues may delay a project, and if you’re already suffering from health problems, there is a chance you may be briefly ill on one of your many trips.

Home life could be a bit charged and intense with a bit of a power struggle. If you’re in a committed relationship like marriage, there could be misunderstandings between you and your spouse or partner due to controlling behaviours of you or your partner or both. 

If you’re a parent, you may need to be more patient with your children. 

Sidereal Gemini Risings

As your ascendant lord began retrograde in November and will only begin direct motion on the 16th, expect all well laid plans to go slightly awry. So create alternate plans B,C,D and so on. You could be busy fighting proverbial fires in your everyday life and solving problems. If you work in finance, this is a great period to make more money. If you don’t work in finance, then this is a mentally stressful time.

Mars has entered your 2nd house and will stay there moving back and forth between your 2nd and 1st until June 2025. If you’re working towards a raise, you’re likely to receive it. Keep an eye on your expenses which could suddenly increase due to health issues. Your effort, energy and resources might go into holding on to your finances while at the same time addressing health flare ups through check ups, tests, doctor visits. 

Daily routine and work may seem extra tedious and some of you may reconsider what you do for a living. Dont apply for new jobs until Mars leaves your 2nd and enters your 3rd next June because recognition, reward or benefit from work that was held up could come through. Although the stressors could continue and you may have to work harder to establish yourself at your workplace.

Parents’ health might be a worry for some of you for this month, but it could be a transitory matter.

Sidereal Cancer Risings

I won’t lie cancer risings. I had left your rising sign until the very last minute because I feel like I’m stuck on repeat for your sign. It’s been a tough 5 years for you folks. First Saturn transit through your 7th and then saturn through your 8th.

Thankfully, Saturns emerging from the darkness into the light after April 2025. So, take a deep breath and chin up.

As Mars retrogrades in your 1st, you might be extra determined and extra assertive. Hopefully you have Jupiter aspecting your 1st or in the 1st who could guide Mars appropriately. Otherwise, you may have to consciously and intentionally tone down your physical aggression right from the expression on your face to the way you approach people.

You will be seen in the next 4-5 months. I mean seen as in you wont escape notice if you go out in public. Your energy would be unmistakable thanks to Mars in the 1st.

All this is fine and good until Mars is in the 1st, but when it re-enters your 12th, you could fall sick. It could be as simple as a cold and fever or a digestive upset or a sprained muscle. However, its transitory and will pass quickly.

If you’re a parents, your attention, energy, money could be invested in your children. There could be college or school fees due in December.  If you’re single, then its your romantic interest who will capture your pocket and your heart. 

If you’re an entrepreneur, initiatives taken during the next few weeks to a few months may not go as planned, despite Jupiter’s presence in your 11th. So either you launch your ideas with back up plans in place, or postpone the task or activity if you can. 

Sidereal Leo Risings

like Cancer risings, have been having a very difficult time since Saturn entered your 7th house early 2023. The next  4-5 months could be extra challenging. Mars has entered your 12th house in October and will transit first retrograde, then direct between your 12th and 11th for the next 5 months. 

It’s a favorable transit for those of you trying to relocate overseas to a completely unfamiliar country, although not without its frustrations and delays. Anyone who’s trying to buy/sell property might also find a window of opportunity opening up next year. However, I would recommend not forcing a deal to close. Allow the deal or event or activity to happen naturally.

Most Leo risings may face unpleasantness in some form or another. This could be related to your own health, your mothers health or your spouse’s health. Your resources could be spent on dealing with day to day health matters.

Once more, try not to use force to get others to comply with your wishes or demands. It’s only going to damage your interpersonal relationships. 

I find Mars in the 12th to be a very interesting transit if you use its energy wisely. On one hand, it activates the subconscious, so your dreams could get very vivid and intense. Keeping a dream journal could help. On the other hand, it makes for passive aggression, where one cannot express anger or displeasure in a measured, calm manner. Anger is hidden away from others or the public until the transit is complete and all hell breaks loose. So, try and modulate your anger by allowing it to be seen little by little. Don’t let it build up to an extent where it overflows like lava and becomes destructive. Because Mars in the 12th is self destructive where your own anger is your hidden enemy. So, be mindful of your emotions, stay away from triggers or people who trigger and in your free time, watch your favorite rom coms to soothe this transit.

Sidereal Virgo Risings 

you folks have your ascendant lord and 10th lord in retrograde motion for half of December coupled with 3rd and 8th lord retrograde in the 11th house.Some of you may be cutting loose from a network or circle of friends. Others of you may not know what your next step is, or may be confused about your future. 

Some of you could be going through a lot of paperwork, legal documents. It could be related to your professional life or litigation maybe. If you’re fighting a lawsuit, whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant, you might win the court case especially if you’ve done nothing wrong. 

You may have felt or may feel burnt out from your daily grind these past 2 years as Saturn is almost done transiting your 6th house. 

Use this holiday season to reflect and decompress

Travel a little, explore far off places, if you can afford it, don’t go overboard or over budget though and make contingency plans for things that can go wrong in these wild times.

Sidereal Libra Risings

There’s some reflection that this group needs to do about your career and professional life. Are you being paid enough for your responsibilities and role? Are you overworking? There seems to be an imbalance of sorts with regards to your income vs your work. This Mars retrograde is the opportunity to correct this imbalance. Your ascendant lord transits the 4th and opposes your 7th lord. So, those of you who are in committed relationships may feel the pressure or heat to settle down and get married, if you aren’t already. Others of you are immersed in your daily routine and life, and have no bandwidth to think about the larger picture or make future plans.

Some of you may have dreams and desires that are unrealistic or your expectations are too high. You may need to recalibrate desires with the time frame. Sort of like an expectations vs reality recalibration. 

Others of you may be shopping for antiques for your home this holiday season. 

Those trying to get pregnant might have a window of opportunity coming up in a few months. Get your health in order and do the groundwork so to speak, to get your body ready for pregnancy.

Sidereal Scorpio Risings

like the other fixed signs, have been experiencing challenges times in life. The next few months are no less challenging, but there’s a ray of light. Saturn is finally, FINALLY, exiting your 4th house.  Your professional life or public reputation or status that has taken such a battering these past few years may slowly recover after April 2025. 

Your ascendant lord Mars begins retrograde motion in your 9th house, dips back into your 8th and then back into your 9th in direct motion.

Some of you may experience a crisis of faith during this period although if you have Jupiter aspecting your 9th house, it wouldn’t be too bad.

This crisis of faith could have you thinking very pessimistically. Of the worst case scenario in every situation. Mild depressive symptoms are to be expected with such a transit. To add salt to injury, if you’ve been working hard at something, the rewards or gains might be disappointing. There could be a reversal in some cases. It could seem like you’re finally getting that job or that project, but there could be a change of plans, or one of the parties could change their mind. Remember, beware that which seems too good to be true. 

So, take your time thinking very carefully and consider all possible permutations and combinations before taking your next step.

Those seeking romance might have new love entering your life. Or opportunities to date diverse people from all walks and cultures. 

Others of you could be traveling quite a bit, maybe from one location to another. Stay hydrated and be cautious when around unfamiliar food or cuisine or you could fall sick with an intestinal or stomach related illness.

Sidereal Sagittarius Risings

may have had your mothers health on your mind. She may have had intermittent illnesses this past year which could have disrupted your home life indirectly too.

Now, your 12th and 5th lord retrogrades while transiting the 8th, re-enters your 7th and then back into the 8th to complete its transit of cancer. 

For some of you, there’s going to be a change in your home life or living situation. If you have aged parents, they might move in because they need help. 

Resources might be a little tight. Either because your expenses exceed your income the next 4-5 months or because you counted on an additional income source of sorts and that falls through. How the whole thing plays out would depend on the strength of your planets in your natal chart.

Your health seems to be the one positive aspect of your life and even though you might have brief illnesses, you are likely to bounce back quickly. However, your children or spouse could require medical care and expect expenses due to doctors visits or medicines.

Those sag risings who are students may have had to put double effort for little progress this past year or more. Thankfully, Saturn exits your 3rd so academic life could become slightly easier and seem less stressful.

Sidereal Capricorn Risings

Prepare for battle. Just kidding. 

Your 4th lord and 11th lord has entered your 7th and will dance between your 6th and 7th house in both retrograde and direct motion.

The next 4-5 months could be turbulent for interpersonal relationships. All interpersonal relationships including marriage, business collaborations, coworkers, your employees if you have any and your older siblings.

Although Mars transit through the 7th is tricky, but it aspects your 1st where its exalted. This transit could give you enormous self control, use it. Saturn ruled capricorn values patience and the sensitivity of time. When to do, what to do and how to do. So, pick your battles very carefully. In flight or fight,  choose flight. Run away. But if the enemy follows you, turn around and fight back. Catch them by surprise. Read The art of war by sun tzu.

Anyways, its business as usual for you folks. Paperwork, documentation, taxes, the tiny tiny details of everyday life will dominate your upcoming 4-5 months. This is not a favorable time to initiate gatherings and celebrations. By all means, attend social events, but try and stay under the radar.

Home matters take priority. Remodelling, renovating, buying, selling, relocating, unpacking, packing. Decluttering. If you’re employing contractors  or if you’re engaged in a negotiation with a buyer or seller, ensure you review the contract very carefully and protect your finances. Ensure there’s a penalty clause for delays, create a schedule of payments etc etc. 

Focus on your work and your resources and finances. Let everything else fade into the background like white noise.

Sidereal Aquarius Risings

may have to pay attention to the daily grind for the next few months. Your effort and initiatives could be directed towards stabilising health matters. Whether it is losing weight, or addressing chronic conditions.  Some of you could rethink the direction of your career and possibly change jobs. Or change roles within the same organisation. Others of you could be traveling  or relocating overseas for work. 

Those who are parents may find reasons to worry about your children, their education or their career. 

But, other than the usual worries that most adults have, this month could be relatively smooth sailing. The real drama begins in March 2025, but that’s a post for later.

Sidereal Pisces Risings

The Pisces risings I know personally have been having a very challenging time with their health. Since 2023, ever since Saturn entered Aquarius and especially after Rahu entered Pisces, each of them have experienced mysterious, random illnesses almost every other month. As would be expected, their morale is pretty low.

Thankfully, Saturn is almost done with its transit of the 12th. In the next few months, however, you may still have to be cautious of what you eat if and when you travel far from home. Or most of your resources would go towards doctors fees and medication.Indulge sparingly in food and travel for the next few months or you run the risk of significant weight gain and illnesses associated with this weight gain.

Ensure that you’re well hydrated, and get enough exercise to release emotional energy. Some of you may plan for travel but change your plans at the last minute. This could be due to either your health or spouse’s health. 

Those who are parents of adult children might find their children suffering some sort of temporary setback at work

Finally, balance your desires with your resources where good health is also one resource..